CFAs: FUNGUO Innovation Programme (Tanzania)

Co-funded by the European Union, the British Government (FCDO), and the Republic of Finland, and implemented by UNDP Tanzania, the Programme works in partnership with other ecosystem players, including enterprise support organizations such as ANZA, StartHub Africa, and WSHA, as well as government partners, including COSTECH and others.

FUNGUO aligns closely with the national development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to increase the number of successfully scaled startups and MSMEs that deliver inclusive social and environmental impact alongside commercial returns.

FUNGUO particularly seeks to fill the funding gap in the “missing middle”—where many promising startups and MSMEs struggle to access appropriate early- to growth-stage finance.

Aims

• By offering catalytic funding and tailored support, the Programme aims to:
  • Build a viable pipeline of high-potential businesses for follow-on funding by larger institutional and impact investors.
  • Strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Tanzania by working collaboratively with other accelerators, incubators, financiers, and government institutions.

Benefits

• Successful applicant will receive the following benefits:
  • Catalytic funding (non-equity, performance-based grants).
  • Technical assistance, including business development, investment readiness, and impact measurement support.
  • Visibility and networking opportunities with potential investors, partners, and ecosystem actors.
  • Access to FUNGUO’s learning and collaboration platforms.

Eligibility Criteria

• This 4th Call for Funding Applications is targeting early- and growth-stage businesses that meet the following criteria:
  • Showcase innovation in products, services, business models, or processes.
  • Are actively working to scale their solutions, but face limitations in accessing funding from conventional sources.
  • Demonstrate high potential for impact in areas such as youth employment, gender inclusion, climate action, digital transformation, or sustainable livelihoods.
• This call for funding application is open to ventures that do no harm to people and the environment and meet the following basic criteria:
  • For-profit entities or market-oriented social enterprises that can be characterised as “startups”.
  • Legally registered in Tanzania (incorporated or with a business name registration).
  • Majority-owned by Tanzanian citizens (by 51% and above)
  • Beyond ideation and pilot stage, with a minimum viable product that has some market traction (post-revenue).
  • Have not raised more than $100,000 in funding (in Equity or debt) to date.

For more information, visit FUNGUO Programme.